Historique
Article de Périodique
Challenges and opportunities of 'good governance' for drug policy: the case of the development of Belgian drug policy between 1996 and 2003 (2018)
Auteur(s) :
TIEBERGHIEN, J.
Année
2018
Page(s) :
156-163
Langue(s) :
Anglais
Domaine :
Drogues illicites / Illicit drugs
Discipline :
SAN (Santé publique / Public health)
Thésaurus géographique
BELGIQUE
Thésaurus mots-clés
POLITIQUE
;
PRODUIT ILLICITE
;
EVOLUTION
;
SANTE PUBLIQUE
Résumé :
Aims: Studying the characteristics of the science-policy nexus in the field of drugs emerged in parallel with an interest in the principles of good governance. Centre-stage is the processes through which policy is informed, especially with regard to the role of non-government actors, contrasting with the widely accepted view that drug policymaking is a prerogative of governments. Through the lens of what is defined as good governance in drug policy, this article examines the processes underpinning the drug-policy change in Belgium between 1996 and 2003.
Methods: The paper is based on an analysis of 164 policy documents and 1067 newspaper articles, and 55 interviews with a range of stakeholders including policymakers, professionals, scientists and journalists.
Findings: Some distinctive features were found relating to the mechanisms through which evidence was mobilised and eventually informed policy change in Belgium. Evidence-imbued leadership, evaluation, coordination, the engagement of different stakeholders and the role of the parliament played key roles.
Conclusions: Several characteristics of good governance make the use of evidence more likely. However, governance processes seem to be challenged in highly sensitive discussions (e.g. on cannabis policy). Another challenge may be how the principles of good governance can be consolidated in the long term.
Methods: The paper is based on an analysis of 164 policy documents and 1067 newspaper articles, and 55 interviews with a range of stakeholders including policymakers, professionals, scientists and journalists.
Findings: Some distinctive features were found relating to the mechanisms through which evidence was mobilised and eventually informed policy change in Belgium. Evidence-imbued leadership, evaluation, coordination, the engagement of different stakeholders and the role of the parliament played key roles.
Conclusions: Several characteristics of good governance make the use of evidence more likely. However, governance processes seem to be challenged in highly sensitive discussions (e.g. on cannabis policy). Another challenge may be how the principles of good governance can be consolidated in the long term.
Affiliation :
Department of Criminology, Penal Law & Social Law, Institute for Social Drug research (ISD), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Cote :
Abonnement